AWC Strengthens Global Role at the 91st World Water Council Board Meeting and Cairo Water Week
The Asia Water Council (AWC) participated in the 91st Board Meeting of the World Water Council (WWC) and the Cairo Water Week, held from 10–12 October 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. Represented by Dr. Yongdeok Cho, Secretary General of AWC, the Council actively engaged in high-level discussions shaping the future of global water governance and reaffirmed its growing presence in the international water community.
WWC 91st Board Meeting:
Reinforcing AWC’s Role in the Global Water Agenda
The WWC Board Meeting, held on 10–11 October, convened amidst a critical period for global water diplomacy, as the international community prepares for upcoming milestones including COP30, UNEA-7, the 19th IWRA World Water Congress, and the 2026 UN Water Conference. Central to the discussions was the progress toward the 11th World Water Forum (WWF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2027.
WWC provided updates on its global engagement efforts and task force activities, including the release of a report on sustainable project financing and youth-led capacity-development initiatives. Two new institutions—the Indonesia Water Resource Management Foundation and the Council of Arab Water Ministers—were introduced as newly approved WWC members, reflecting the continued expansion of the Council’s global network.
During the meeting, preparations for the 11th World Water Forum were reviewed in depth, including the outcomes of the first Stakeholder Consultation Meeting held in Riyadh earlier this year and the roadmap for the next consultation process. The Forum’s overarching theme, “Action for Better Tomorrow,” was highlighted as the guiding vision for developing thematic and regional programs.
A particularly significant development for AWC was the confirmation that AWC has been designated as one of the official Coordinators of the Asia–Pacific Regional Process for the 11th World Water Forum, alongside APWF and ADB. This selection acknowledges AWC’s long-standing leadership in regional cooperation and positions the organization at the center of consultations shaping the regional contributions to the Forum. As a regional coordinator, AWC will play a crucial role in ensuring that the priorities, experiences, and perspectives of Asian countries are meaningfully incorporated into the global deliberations of the Forum. The designation reflects international recognition of AWC’s capacity to convene diverse stakeholders and articulate a unified regional voice in global water governance.
Dr. Cho also contributed recommendations regarding the planned establishment of the WWC Innovation Group, a new initiative to be launched in connection with the 11th World Water Forum. His intervention emphasized the importance of cultivating a collaborative environment that aligns innovation efforts with global needs and ensures inclusive participation across regions.
Cairo Water Week:
Expanding Dialogue and Strengthening Partnerships
On 12 October, AWC participated in the Opening Ceremony of Cairo Water Week, one of the Middle East and Africa’s flagship annual water events. The gathering brought together senior officials, international organizations, researchers, and practitioners from across the region.
Throughout the event, AWC engaged in active dialogue with key partners, introducing ongoing AWC initiatives—including the Asia International Water Week (AIWW), Water Roundtable, and innovation-oriented programs—and exploring opportunities for participation and collaboration. Discussions also touched on the shared challenges faced by arid and climate-vulnerable regions, enhancing mutual understanding of how Asia and the Middle East can jointly contribute to sustainable water security.
AWC also attended thematic sessions focused on collaborative approaches to sustainable water management, exchanging views with global experts on how transboundary and cross-sector partnerships can be strengthened. The sessions reaffirmed the growing importance of inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance frameworks in responding to global water challenges.
Global Networking:
Linking AIWW and the World Water Forum
AWC used the opportunity to strengthen relationships with WWC members and international partners, including representatives from the Riyadh Water Forum and institutions involved in the organization of the 11th World Water Forum.
The discussions explored ways to link the 4th Asia International Water Week (AIWW)—to be held in the Philippines—with the World Water Forum, ensuring that insights and innovations emerging from AIWW can inform global processes. This dialogue also served to reinforce AWC’s role as a connector between regional and global platforms, facilitating collaboration across continents.
Strengthening AWC’s Global Influence
The participation of AWC in the Cairo meetings marked a pivotal moment in elevating the Council’s global standing. With its formal role in the World Water Forum’s Asia–Pacific Regional Process, AWC now has a recognized and influential voice in shaping one of the world’s most significant water governance platforms.
In Cairo, AWC also broadened its international network, strengthened ties with partners in the Middle East and Africa, and expanded the reach of its key programs. These engagements are expected to contribute toward deeper collaboration as the global community moves toward the 11th World Water Forum and other major milestones.
AWC will continue to advance partnerships, elevate regional perspectives, and contribute to a more resilient and cooperative global water governance landscape.
